Abstract

Changes to past lif estyles as a result of no n-gluten dietary treatment in coeliac disease: A contribution to further research

Strict adherence to any elimination diet changes past styles of life of people. It refers especially to the ones who are obliged to introduce a diet because of a diagnosis of food-related illnesses, such as coeliac disease (CD). The constraints perceived by the individuals on a dietary regimen may have a negative infl uence on their psychosocial functioning. The diffi culties are usually experienced in the situations connected with public consumption like social events and family gatherings.The article is an attempt to analyze how the implementation of a restrictive diet affects the past lifestyle of people diagnosed with CD. The only way of treatment of CD is a strict and lifelong elimination of gluten. The results presented are based on literature and a survey carried out on a group of forty people diagnosed with CD, recruited among the members of The Polish Association of People with Coeliac Disease and on a Gluten Free Diet (GFD). The research tool was a socio-demographic and medical questionnaire of own authorship. The character of the survey was just preliminary as it is going to be followed by a further in-depth qualitative research in the future.The results of the analysis suggest that introducing a GFD may result in a worsening of psychosocial functioning of the suff erers, nevertheless some noticeable improvements in their somatic health. This explains why expanding the social awareness of the diffi culties experienced by people forced to undertake a GFD as a treatment is an important issue. It may contribute to the implementation of some good practices aimed at better quality of life of coeliac suff erers and elimination of barriers to regimen adherence they meet. It is of crucial importance as untreated CD may result in a gradual deterioration of their health status and occurrence of other serious diseases. Thus, supporting the suff erers of CD in adherence to dietary restrictions enhances their chances of maintaining an active style of life and more equal participation in social life.